Star Wars Day 2025: Why we say, 'May the 4th be with you' on unofficial holiday
May 4 is always a special day for fans of Star Wars and that's why on Sunday you will likely hear someone utter "May the 4th be with you."
The saying comes from a line of dialogue in the 1977 film, "Star Wars," which gained the expanded title "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope" as George Lucas' space opera saga expanded over the decades. In the film, before the rebel fighters begin their assault on the Death Star, General Dodonna encourages them with the command: "Then man your ships! And may the Force be with you!"
"May the Force be with you" is a saying that, excuse the pun, flows through the Star Wars movies, TV series, books and comics. It's a saying used by Jedi Knights such as Obi-Wan Kenobi referencing the Force, a form of energy connecting the galaxy, which some Force-sensitive individuals can tap into and enhance their abilities. Saying, "May the Force be with you," is akin to wishing someone "Good Luck."
The origins of the saying "May the 4th be with you," may be surprising.
While it was used in headlines for July 4 back to 1978, according to starwars.com, the first reported official use of the phrase came in May 1979, when Margaret Thatcher became the U.K.'s prime minister. To celebrate, the U.K. Conservative Party paid for a newspaper advertisement saying, 'May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!' wrote Steve Sansweet on starwars.com in 2013.
Over the years as the Star Wars universe grew with 1980's "The Empire Strikes Back" through the prequel films and subsequent sequel trilogy, which included 2015's "The Force Awakens," the "May the 4th be with you" phenomenon grew into an unofficial "Star Wars Day" holiday with fans holding "Star Wars Day" parties or watching the movies in observance of the day.
At the recent Star Wars Celebration Japan event, it was announced that an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the initial movie's debut will be held in Los Angeles in 2027.
More 'Star Wars' to come: Ryan Gosling to star in new 'Star Wars: Starfighter' movie: What we know so far
The easiest way to celebrate is to stream some of the movies, all 11 of which are available on Disney+ (Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012).
Also on the streaming service is Season Two of "Andor," a series that is set before the events of 2016 film "Rogue One," which leads up to "Star Wars: A New Hope." The first six episodes of the series are available; six more are scheduled.
Many restaurants, movie theaters, toy stores, and other businesses hold Star Wars Day events, too. Sports venues often have Star Wars celebrations around May 4. Check social media for #Maythe4th.
You can also shop the Disney Store's May the 4th Be With You 2025 Collection, which includes T-shirts, pins, hats, and more. There's also special Star Wars products on Lego.com and merchandise from Star Wars Celebration Japan on Amazon.com.
If you are also a fan of Fortnite, you can get a head start on the upcoming "Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld," a six-episode animated series. It hits Disney+ on May 4, but you can see the first two episodes May 2 inside the video game.
Mike Snider is a reporter on USA TODAY's Trending team. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: May the 4th be with you: How 'Star Wars' Day started, what it means
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